Seat cover exercise device

ABSTRACT

The seat cover exercise device is a portable exercise apparatus in the form of a seat cover that fits around various types of seats. Attached and integrated into the seat cover are resistance members, such as elastic bands, and exercise tools that permit individuals to perform a variety of exercises while seated. The resistance members are attached at one end to the seat cover and at the other end to a grip. When the exercise device is installed on a seat, users may engage in resistance exercises by grasping the grip and extending the resistance member.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of exercise devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sedentary lifestyles constitute a major health risk for Americans, who increasingly spend extended periods in seated positions with little or no opportunity for physical activity. The importance of physical activity to well being and longevity is well established by medical science. Individuals who get insufficient physical exercise suffer from mental and physical strain, fatigue, and general deconditioning.

To combat the risks of sedentary living, numerous exercise devices exist. However, most exercise devices require the user to be in a dedicated location, such as a gym. Few meet the needs of individuals who are unable to commit fixed space or time to physical exercise. Accordingly, there remains a need for exercise devices that provide stimulating physical activity to individuals who are seated for extended periods. Such devices should be portable, affordable and adaptable to standard seating arrangements. Moreover, such devices should provide effective and varied forms of exercise to individuals, without interfering with the individuals' normal seated activities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a portable exercise device, in the form of a seat cover that can be placed snugly around various types of seats. Attached and integrated into the seat cover are various resistance members, such as elastic bands, and exercise tools that permit individuals to perform a variety of exercises while seated.

In one embodiment, the portable exercise device includes a flexible seat cover, which is capable of conforming to a seat that has a horizontal seat portion and a vertical back portion. Also included is one or more resistance members, such as an elastic band. One end of the resistance member is attached to the seat cover and the other end of the resistance member is attached to a grip. When the exercise device is installed on a seat and a user is seated therein, the user may engage in resistance exercises by grasping the grip and extending the resistance member.

Variations in the resistance members' points of attachment to the seat cover and the user's motions permit the user to exercise his or her arms, hands, trunk, abdomen and/or legs while seated. By providing for attachment of resistance members from the back or underside of the seat cover, the grips are made accessible at a variety of locations around the perimeter of the seat cover. A large number of exercises can be performed by using these variously positioned grips, as well as additional exercise tools that are attached to or included with the seat cover. The degree of resistance in the resistance members can be varied to suit the needs of the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1. is a front view of the seat cover exercise device (unattached to a seat) lying on a flat surface.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the seat cover exercise device (unattached to a seat) lying on a flat surface.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the seat cover exercise device installed on a seat.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the seat cover exercise device installed on a seat.

FIG. 5 is a close-up view of the upper aspect of the seat cover exercise device installed on a seat.

FIG. 6 is a close-up view of the lower aspect of the seat cover exercise device installed on a seat.

FIG. 7 is a close-up view of points of attachment for resistance members.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the seat cover exercise device installed on a seat.

FIG. 9 shows a user performing a triceps exercise with the seat cover exercise device.

FIG. 10 shows a user performing a pectoralis exercise with the seat cover exercise device.

FIG. 11 shows a user performing a latissimus dorsi exercise with the seat cover exercise device.

FIG. 12 shows a user performing a leg exercise with the seat cover exercise device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As noted above, the present invention provides a portable exercise device in the form of a seat cover that can snugly fit various types of seats. Attached and integrated into the seat cover are various resistance members and exercise tools that permit individuals to perform a variety of exercises while seated.

The seat cover element of the exercise device preferably is constructed like a standard automobile seat cover, with a portion that fits around and conforms to the vertical back portion of a seat and a portion that fits around and conforms to the horizontal seat portion of a seat. In particular embodiments, the seat cover element is dimensioned to fit an automobile seat, an office chair or a wheelchair. The seat cover element should be constructed of durable and flexible material, such as leather, vinyl, nylon or canvas. The material should be capable of withstanding the repetitive force of resistance members pulling against it during use.

One or more resistance members attaches to the seat cover element. The resistance members preferably are elongate and extensible. Preferred resistance members also are flexible and elastic. Exemplary resistance members are elastic bands (e.g., bungee cords and rubber surgical-type tubing) and resilient springs. Resistance members also could comprise a piston that provides resistance. The force required to extend a resistance member may be varied to suit the needs of particular users. Similarly, the length of resistance members can be varied to better accommodate individuals of different size and to accommodate different exercise activities.

One end of each resistance member (herein referred to as the proximal end) attaches to the seat cover. The attachment may be permanent or may be removable. The point of attachment preferably is on the underside/back of the seat cover. Such a location for the point of attachment provides maximum stability during use of the exercise device. In one embodiment, the point of attachment is a flap on the underside/back of the seat cover. The flap may be reinforced to accommodate the repetitive forces of resistance members pulling against it. For example, the flap may be reinforced with grommets, a rigid ring, or other means of reinforcement well known in the art. Upon installation of the seat cover exercise device, the flap may be wedged between the horizontal seat portion and vertical back portion of a seat.

A second end of each resistance member (herein referred to as the distal end) attaches to a grip. The grip may be designed for a user's arms and legs. In certain embodiments, the grip may take the form of a handle or loop that a user can grasp by hand. In other embodiments, the grip may take the form of a stirrup that can attach to a user's foot. In still other embodiments, the handle may take the form of a band that can be wrapped around a user's wrist or ankle. The grip may removably attach to the seat cover or seat, for storage when not in use.

By providing for attachment of resistance members from the back/underside of the seat cover, grips can be made accessible at a variety of locations around the perimeter of the seat cover. Upon installation of the exercise device in a seat having a horizontal seat portion and a vertical back portion, therefore, resistance members may extend in multiple directions from their point of attachment, to accommodate users performing a variety of exercises. In one embodiment, a resistance member extends from its point of attachment laterally along the side of the horizontal seat portion of the seat. In another embodiment, a resistance member extends from its point of attachment laterally along the side of the vertical back portion of the seat. In still another embodiment, a resistance member extends from its point of attachment across the underside of the horizontal seat portion of the seat. In yet another embodiment, a resistance member extends from its point of attachment across the top of the vertical back portion of the seat.

The invention also contemplates a kit that comprises the seat cover exercise device described herein, along with a monitor capable of measuring a user's vital signs. The monitor may measure, for example, a user's blood pressure or heart rate. The kit also may include additional exercise tools, such as ankle and wrist weights and hand grip exercisers.

Reference to FIGS. 1-12 provides further description of the seat cover exercise device.

FIG. 1 depicts a front view of one embodiment of the seat cover exercise device, unattached to a seat, rolled/folded lying on a flat surface.

FIG. 2 depicts a rear view the seat cover exercise device in one embodiment. The device comprises a flexible seat cover (1) capable of conforming to a seat having a horizontal seat portion and a vertical back portion. The seat cover (1) comprises a flap (2) on the underside/back that may be wedged between the horizontal seat portion and vertical back portion of a seat upon installation. The flap (2) may serve as an anchor point, either directly or indirectly, for resistance members (3). In this embodiment, the flap (2) is attached to a ring (4), to which the proximal end of resistance members (3) may be fastened by means of clips (5). A grip (6) is attached to the distal end of resistance members (3).

FIG. 3 depicts a front view of one embodiment of the seat cover exercise device installed on a seat. Attached to the flexible seat cover (1) are 8 resistance members: two resistance members are accessible at a user's shoulder level (7), two resistance members are accessible at a user's chest level (8), two resistance members are accessible at a user's thigh level (9) and two resistance members are accessible at a user's knee level from underneath the seat (10). Attached to the distal end of each resistance member is a grip

, which may be removably attached to the seat cover. Also removably attached to the seat cover is a hand grip tool (11).

FIG. 4 depicts a rear view of one embodiment of the seat cover exercise device installed on a seat. Attached to the flexible seat cover (1) are 8 resistance members. Six of the eight resistance members are visualized in this figure: two resistance members are accessible at a user's shoulder level (7), two resistance members are accessible at a user's chest level (8), two resistance members are accessible at a user's thigh level (9). The seat cover (1) comprises a flap (not visible) on the underside/back wedged between the horizontal seat portion and vertical back portion of the seat. In this embodiment, a ring (4) is attached to the flap and the proximal end of each resistance member is fastened to the ring (4) by means of clips (5). A grip

is attached to the distal end of each resistance member.

FIG. 5 depicts a close-up rear/oblique view of the upper portion of one embodiment of the seat cover exercise device installed on a seat. The distal ends of resistance members (7,8) are attached to grips (6), which may be removably attached to the seat cover

by various methods, including Velcro, In this embodiment, a resistance member at the level of the shoulders (7) passes through a grommet (12) at the top of the seat cover (1). A resistance member at the level of the chest (8) also passes through a grommet (12) at the side of the seat cover (1).

FIG. 6 depicts a close-up front/oblique view of the lower portion of one embodiment of the seat cover exercise device installed on a seat. The distal ends of resistance members are attached to grips (6). The grips may be removably attached to the seat cover

by various methods, including Velcro, In this embodiment, a resistance member at the level of the thighs (9) passes through a grommet (12) alongside the seat cover (1). Other exercise tools may be removably attached to seat cover exercise device, such as a hand grip tool (11).

FIG. 7 depicts a close-up rear view of the point of attachment for resistance members in one embodiment of the invention. A ring (4) is attached to a flap (not visible) on the inside/back of the seat cover

. Upon installation, the flap is wedged between the horizontal seat portion and a vertical back portion of the seat. As pictured in this view, the ring (4) protrudes from between the horizontal seat portion and a vertical back portion of the seat. The proximal ends of resistance members (3) are fastened to the ring (4) by means of clips (5).

FIG. 8 depicts a bottom view of one embodiment of the seat cover exercise device installed on a seat. This provides a view resistance bands (3, 7, 8, 9, 10) from their point of attachment to positions along the sides of the seat cover and underneath the seat cover. Pictured in this view is a ring (4) to which the proximal end of resistance members (3) may be fastened by means of clips (5). Visible are resistance members at the level of the shoulders (7), resistance members at the level of the chest (8), resistance members at the level of the thighs (9) and resistance members at the level of the knees (10). In this embodiment, the resistance member at the level of the thighs (9) passes through a grommet (12) alongside the seat cover. Also visible are additional exercise tools or devices (11) that are removably attached to the seat cover.

FIG. 9 depicts a user performing a triceps/deltoid exercise with one embodiment of the seat cover exercise device. The user is grasping two grips (6), which are attached to resistance members at the user's shoulder level (7).

FIG. 10 depicts a user performing a pectoralis exercise with one embodiment of the seat cover exercise device. The user is grasping two grips (6), which are attached to resistance members at the user's chest level (8).

FIG. 11 depicts a user performing a latissimus dorsi exercise with the seat cover exercise device. The user is grasping two grips (6), which are attached to resistance members at the user's knee level (10).

FIG. 12 depicts a user performing a leg exercise with the seat cover exercise device. The user has put each leg in a loop (13) attached to resistance members at the user's knee level (10) and is performing a leg extension. 

1. An exercise device comprising, (a) a flexible seat cover capable of conforming to a seat having a horizontal seat portion and a vertical back portion, (b) a resistance member having first and second ends, and (c) a grip, wherein said first end of said resistance member is attached to said flexible seat cover and said second end of said resistance member is attached to said grip.
 2. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said flexible seat cover has an inside portion or flap that can be wedged between the vertical and horizontal portions of a seat, to which said first end of said resistance member is attached.
 3. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said resistance member is elongated and extensible.
 4. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said resistance member comprises an elastic band, a resilient spring or a piston.
 5. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said resistance member is removably attached to said flexible seat cover.
 6. The exercise device of claim 1, comprising a plurality of resistance members, each resistance member having first and second ends, wherein the first end of each resistance member is attached to said flexible seat cover.
 7. The exercise device of claim 6, wherein the second end of each resistance member is attached to a grip.
 8. The exercise device of claim 2 wherein, upon installation in a seat having a horizontal seat portion and a vertical back portion, said resistance member extends from its point of attachment laterally along the sides of said horizontal seat portion.
 9. The exercise device of claim 2 wherein, upon installation in a seat having a horizontal seat portion and a vertical back portion, said resistance member extends from its point of attachment laterally along the sides of said vertical back portion.
 10. The exercise device of claim 2 wherein, upon installation in a seat having a horizontal seat portion and a vertical back portion, said resistance member extends from its point of attachment across the underside of said horizontal seat portion.
 11. The exercise device of claim 2 wherein, upon installation in a seat having a horizontal seat portion and a vertical back portion, said resistance member extends from its point of attachment across the top of said vertical back portion.
 12. A kit comprising the exercise device of claim 1 and a monitor capable of measuring vital signs.
 13. The kit of claim 12, further comprising additional exercise tools. 